Todd Smith Hofstetter (1968 - 1996) - In Memoriam
There's probably not much I can say that you don't already know about Todd. He was full of life and personality. Humour and wit were very much a part of his personality which made him usually the life of the party. Todd returned home from his mission and started work at Canada Trust (a financial institution). In April of 1990 he met me (Annette, his future wife) at a YSA dance although I had known of Todd for many years (everyone knew Todd). After eight months of dating Todd and I were engaged and married in May of 1991. Todd returned every year to Oklahoma and we even went there on our honeymoon.
On November 1st, 1992 Todd became a father for the first time. Reflecting on the event he said, "I watched the whole thing and am still in awe over the miracle that took place". His first son is named Tyler Douglas Hofstetter.
In March of 1994 Todd acquired a much better position at Canada Trust out in Calgary, Alberta and the family moved. While living in Alberta I gave birth to another son, Jonah Kenneth Smith Hofstetter. After two years and a restructuring at Canada Trust, Todd took on a similar position with a new company. This gave Todd and I the opportunity of returning to Ontario to be with family. So in May of 1996 he packed us up (actually I did!) and moved us back to Burlington, Ontario.
After four months of being back in Ontario, Todd's car was hit while he was returning home from work. He suffered severe head injuries and survived only six days in hospital before succumbing to his injuries on Thursday, September 19, 1996.
Shortly after his employer, David Dyson of Merchant Card Acceptance Corporation, created an award in Todd's name given to an exceptional employee that demonstrates the same qualities and skills as Todd did. He was a people person and it was hard not to like or get along with him.
Today (2001) the boys are nine and almost seven. Tyler was baptized last year by his maternal Grandfather. After attending his friends baptism, Tyler told me in the car that he wouldn't be able to be baptized because he didn't have a dad. Although a bit heartbroken I reassured him that he could. It has been a struggle for most of the time but his boys are strong and full of personality like their father. They love cars, trains, music - all the loves of their father. Most of all, they have a good knowledge of the gospel and love hearing about their dad.
Please feel free to contact Annette via e-mail.
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